Breeding & rearing Stylocheilus longicauda

March 11, 1999
From: Gary Henderson

NOMENCLATURAL NOTE: The use of the name Stylocheilus longicauda (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) in this message is incorrect and the species referred to is really Stylocheilus striatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1832). See my message and the separate page where the correct identity of these species is discussed. (Added 5 August 1999)


Hi,

I have had 3 adult and one juvenile in a 10 gallon setup for a couple weeks. They seem to be doing quite well. I have quite a bit of macroalgae of various kinds in with them. I have a couple inquiries that would be great if you could give me any insight into. Do you happen to have any references on rearing these guys? I am under the impression that they produce planktonic larvae but am unsure as to how long they remain this way, on what the larvae will feed, any special requirements to help them get to the slug stage, etc. It seems like the sea hares are readily bred and raised in captivity but does this apply to these guys? My other question deals with lighting. I have the lights on 24 hrs a day for algae growth but am curious if this might be bad for the slugs.

Thanks for your time.

Gary Henderson

ghenderson@digiforest.com

Henderson, G., 1999 (Mar 11) Breeding & rearing Stylocheilus longicauda. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/662

Dear Gary,
I have prepared a list of references on Stylocheilus. Two of them by Switzer-Dunlap et al may be useful for you if you can get hold of them.

The life history of Stylocheilus is probably fairly similar to Bursatella leachii and other Sea Hares. It feeds on blue-green algae so the bits of macroalgae in your tank are probably not much use to it, and may in fact be lethal if they start to release toxic chemicals.

If you look through the notes on Sea Hares in the Forum (go to GENERAL TOPICS) you will see they have a diurnal rhythm so they probably aren't very impressed at having their lights on day and night.

Concerning larval development. Keeping veligers alive is not easy. You will see in my earlier message about Stylocheilus, that they were being sold as a source of planktonic larvae for other things to eat. They produce lots of eggs and larvae but getting them past that stage is going to be a labour of love. I've made a few comments on the Larval Culture Page but I'm afraid I have no experience in this field.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 1999 (Mar 11). Comment on Breeding & rearing Stylocheilus longicauda by Gary Henderson. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/662

Factsheet

Stylocheilus striatus

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